Approval Granted for New ALN School on Former Council HQ Site
A new school catering to children with additional learning needs (ALN) is set to be constructed on the grounds of a former council headquarters in Rhondda, Wales. The plan for the ALN school, approved by the Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) planning committee, will see the school situated at the Pavilions site in Clydach Vale. The school will offer English medium ALN education to 176 pupils, ranging from nursery age to year two, primary, secondary, and post-16 levels. The facility will be staffed by 113 full-time equivalents.
Notably, the new school will be a “net zero carbon in operation” building, with all operational energy sourced from a roof-mounted solar photovoltaic array and heating/cooling systems powered by air source heat pumps. The school’s layout will include classrooms, a canteen, a hydrotherapy pool, and various multi-use spaces on the ground floor, as well as additional classrooms, a wellbeing centre, and more multi-use spaces on the first floor. Outdoor play and learning areas will surround the building, along with a 79-space car park that includes electric vehicle charging points.
The development will retain all existing trees and woodland surrounding the site, with new native landscaping features and sustainable drainage systems being introduced. The aim is to create a modern learning environment conducive to improved mental and emotional wellbeing for both students and staff, aligning with Welsh Government’s standards for 21st-century schools. The school will cater to pupils with a range of needs, including autistic spectrum disorders, learning difficulties, behavioural challenges, and sensory impairments.
While the new ALN school will not be open for wider community use, its approval marks a significant step forward in meeting the educational needs of the local area. The planning report highlighted the brownfield nature of the site, emphasizing the benefits of repurposing the former council headquarters into a modern educational facility. It was noted that the new school’s design and operational model would have minimal impact on nearby residents and traffic safety.
Councillor Jill Bonetto expressed support for the project, citing the necessity of a new ALN school in the community. The school’s construction is seen as a positive step towards providing a state-of-the-art learning environment that meets contemporary educational standards and environmental sustainability goals. The project’s approval underscores the commitment to improving educational resources for children with additional learning needs in Rhondda.
Overall, the development of the new ALN school represents a significant investment in the future of education in the region, offering a tailored learning environment for pupils with diverse learning requirements. The innovative design and focus on sustainability reflect a forward-thinking approach to educational infrastructure, ensuring that students with ALN have access to modern facilities that support their academic, social, and emotional development. The community looks forward to witnessing the positive impact of this new educational resource on the lives of students and staff alike.